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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly set their sights on four-time Champions League winner Mateo Kovacic, but the Lilywhites have competition from one of the biggest clubs in Spain.

Tottenham’s midfield looks in need of surgery this summer, with reinforcements expected to arrive through the door amidst reports that Yves Bissouma is on his way out of Spurs.

It was reported a couple of days ago that the Lilywhites may turn to one of the most decorated midfielders currently plying their trade in the Premier League to address their issues in the middle of the park.

Tottenham are thought to be exploring a move for Mateo Kovacic, whose future at Manchester City is said to be in doubt beyond the summer.

Tottenham have to overcome competition from Atletico Madrid for Mateo Kovacic

However, it turns out that the Lilywhites have major competition to deal with for the Croat’s signature.

Sport have now claimed that Kovacic has emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid, who are thought to be prioritising adding experience and quality to their midfield.

The report adds that Diego Simeone is a fan of the Man City man, but he is not the only name on their wishlist, with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Villarreal’s Alex Baena also being eyed by the Colchoneros.

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Why Atletico’s interest in Kovacic is good news for Spurs

While Tottenham Hotspur may find it extremely difficult to beat Simeone’s men to Kovacic’s signature, this development is good news for the Lilywhites in one respect.

It has been widely reported that Atletico are keen on landing Rodrigo Bentancur, and this poses an issue for the North Londoners since the Uruguayan has just one year left on his contract.

It has been claimed by some sources that Tottenham are trying to tie down Bentancur to a new deal to keep him off Atletico’s clutches.

If Simeone’s men are turning their attention to the likes of Kovacic, Partey and Baena, that means that they do not expect to be successful in their pursuit of the Spurs man.

Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their Europa League semi-final in the worst way possible, by losing 5-1 at the hands of the latest Premier League champions, Liverpool.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the match:

Ange Postecoglou rings the changes for Tottenham

No Micky Van de Ven. No Cristian Romero. No Pedro Porro. No Rodrigo Bentancur. No Dejan Kulusevski. No Heung-min Son through injury. It is no secret what Ange Postecoglou was doing today. The Spurs boss wanted to rest his key players ahead of Bodo/Glimt on Thursday while also giving much-needed minutes to some players who need to hit form.

The Premier League is essentially just a mini pre-season for Tottenham’s Europa League campaign at this point, even if Postecoglou does still want to pick up wins along the way. However, losing 5-1 and getting torn apart is concerning, even in pre-season.

Top half finish is still possible for Tottenham

Believe it or not, despite Tottenham Hotspur being all the way down in 16th in the Premier League table, they can mathematically still finish in the top half. Of course, that will involve the Lilywhites winning every single one of their remaining four games (which feels unlikely). You can read more about the permutations needed for a Spurs top-half finish here.

A warning for Tottenham next season

There is one worrying sign for Tottenham, despite the result itself today meaning very little in the grand scheme of things. Spurs without Van de Ven and Romero look woeful. Don’t get me wrong, Spurs with Van de Ven and Romero have been shocking at times too, but the Lilywhites lose so much control when they’re without their first-choice defenders.

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Unfortunately, Romero is being strongly linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer, while even Van de Ven is rumoured to have interest from Real Madrid. It seems unlikely that Spurs will sell both, but a world-class replacement will be needed to replace a World Cup winner like Romero. If Daniel Levy goes for a cheap option or a young up-and-comer, Tottenham are going to pay the price.

Dominic Solanke back among the goals

If you are looking for silver linings, then a Dominic Solanke goal is the clear winner. It may not have mattered in the context of this game, but it could be a huge boost to Tottenham’s season in general. Solanke hadn’t netted in his last seven Premier League games, dating all the way back to Newcastle in January.

One would assume that Dom will start up top against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, and heading into that fixture off the back of ending his goal drought will do his confidence the world of good. What a well-taken goal it was too – a powerful header at the back stick to leave Alisson absolutely rooted to the spot. We haven’t seen a lot of that aerial dominance from Solanke at corners this season, but Spurs seemed to engineer it today with some clever blocking.

You have to feel for Archie Gray in midfield

You have to feel for Archie Gray a little this season. Getting so many minutes in his debut Premier League campaign will do him a lot of good in the long run, but he has been on the end of some disappointing defeats this year. For the most part, he has played out of position, and his few chances in his preferred central midfield have often ended in Tottenham getting a right hiding. Even today, Postecoglou only gave him a 45 cameo before hauling him off for Pape Sarr.

In an ideal world, Gray needs a run of games in the midfield three where Spurs are in control, so he can learn the game at the highest level. As it is, the teenager has endured a baptism of fire all over the pitch this season. Short-term, some horrible results despite good individual performances. Long-term, hopefully, Gray’s game will grow from this kind of hardship and experience.

Tottenham Hotspur fell to a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool this evening as Arne Slot’s men marched their way to the Premier League title.

Few Spurs fans expected to celebrate anything close to a victory at Anfield on Sunday, even less so once Ange Postecoglou revealed his much-changed XI.

Tottenham’s focus is firmly on the Europa League, with a semi-final first leg at home to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, but such a confidence-sapping, heavy defeat will do little to rouse the Lilywhite camp.

Let’s take a look at our player ratings for Tottenham vs Liverpool.

Tottenham player ratings vs Liverpool

Guglielmo Vicario – There was little he could do about any of the goals, but the stuff that happened in between will worry Tottenham fans. Vicario was all over the place with his feet, his passing, and collecting aerial balls. A deer in headlights far too often. 2.

Djed Spence – Another case of Spence not looking as good on the right as he does on the left. Struggled to get into the game offensively and nothing much happened down his side of the pitch. Looked so frustrated that Kulusevski didn’t pick out his overlap at one point that he trudged back instead of sprinting. 3.

Kevin Danso – Tottenham’s best defender on the day, but that says very little when you concede bucket loads. You do feel there is more to come from Danso in a more settled Spurs XI but he will want to see the back of this result. 3.5.

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Ben Davies – Davies struggled with the pace and power of the Liverpool front line today. He does his best work in the box, blocking/clearing two shots destined for the back of the net. However, holding a high line just does not play to his strengths and he was run ragged in behind at times. 2.

Destiny Udogie – Most players have a torrid time against Mo Salah and Destiny Udogie can be added to the list. Salah had him on toast this evening with his cuts in off the right side. It’s frustrating to watch at times because you know exactly what Salah is going to do. Capped off his performance with an own goal. 1.

Archie Gray – The Tottenham teenager barely got a kick of the ball in the first half and was taken off at half-time. 3.

Lucas Bergvall – Had a couple of nice moments in the first half but struggled to impose himself against the best midfield in the Premier League. A humbling experience for him. 3.

James Maddison – Started the game well with an assist from a well-taken corner. Drifted out of the game a little after that and was taken off at half-time with an eye on Thursday night. 4.

Brennan Johnson – Couldn’t get himself in the game beyond one run in behind in the first half. He isn’t the kind of player who can take a game by the scruff of the neck, unfortunately. 3.

Dominic Solanke – At least he walks away with a goal to end his drought. Took it really well and was a nuisance for Van Dijk at times, but had very little to work with. 5.

Mathys Tel – Started the game well with a couple of bright dribbles down the left, but soon drifted out of the game as Liverpool took control. 3.5.

Substitutes:

Dejan Kulusevski – Came on at half-time but never got going. It’s a little worrying that he seems so far from match sharpness ahead of such a big Europa League week. 2.

Pape Sarr – Replaced Archie Gray at the break and got a decent amount of the ball but Tottenham were all over the place by then. 3.

Richarlison – Came on for the final 20 minutes to replace Solanke. N/A.

The half-time whistle has sounded at Anfield and that means it’s time for our first-half player ratings from Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs face a trip to Anfield in the Sunday sun, but Liverpool has been far from a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites in recent years. To make matters worse, Tottenham are currently all the way down in 16th in the Premier League table, while the Reds are looking to lift the trophy itself this very afternoon.

Let’s take a look at how the individual Tottenham players got on in that first 45 with ratings from 1-10.

Tottenham first-half player ratings vs Liverpool

Guglielmo Vicario – The Italian couldn’t do anything about the Liverpool goals, to be fair. 5.

Djed Spence – Was barely in the game in the first half, beyond the odd defensive run on the cover. Most of the attacking and defending came down the other side. 4.

Kevin Danso – The scoreline doesn’t flatter him, but Danso always looks nice and composed on the ball when he plays. Both of the first two goals came down the left side, although he did narrowly play Szoboszlai onside for the first one. Didn’t deserve to concede three goals. 5.

Ben Davies – Liverpool can cut you open in the blink of an eye, and that’s what happened on Davies’ side. No major gaffes from the Welshman, but he struggled with the pace of Salah and Gakpo. Davies was fuming with some of his Spurs midfielders at times, with some weak challenges going on. 3.

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Destiny Udogie – Slightly surprised not to see Spence up against Salah after he played him so well last time. Udogie struggled, but most people do against the Liverpool star. Grew into the half, and Salah had less and less joy, but the damage was done early. 3.

Archie Gray – Lost his man Szoboszlai to allow Liverpool in behind to make it 1-1. Barely had a kick of the ball in a rare midfield outing. Tottenham missed the composure of Rodrigo Bentancur in the first half. 4.

Lucas Bergvall – Almost ducked out of the clearing header that fell to Gakpo for Liverpool’s third. Really struggled to impose himself on a talented and physical Liverpool midfield three. His best moments came on the turn when playing quick balls over the top. 4.

James Maddison – Swung in an inviting corner for Solanke to power home as Spurs opened the scoring. Had a couple of nice early forays forward, but was soon smothered out of the game as Liverpool ran rampant. 6.

Brennan Johnson – Barely had a kick in that first half. Brennan rarely shines on the ball, and Tottenham didn’t give him anything to attack in behind. The one time he did get in behind, he flashed a dangerous ball across the box that Solanke and Tel should have perhaps turned home. 4.

Dominic Solanke – No one expected that, now did they? On Liverpool’s big day, Solanke rose highest from the corner to power a header home and put Tottenham 1-0 up. A huge moment for Solanke ahead of the Europa League semi-final. He hasn’t been among the goals of late. 6.

Tottenham Hotspur might feel quietly confident ahead of their Europa League semi-final showdown with Bodo/Glimt, but the Norwegian outfit’s recent form suggests they could be anything but pushovers.

On 1 May 2025, Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie.

While many Spurs supporters see the Bodo/Glimt draw as a favourable one on paper, the Tottenham fanbase has also been vocal about avoiding complacency, particularly given some of the shocks that have happened in Europe over the past two seasons.

Bodo/Glimt are on the cusp of making history and, having already reached their first-ever European semi-final, there’s no doubt they’ll be pushing to go one better and book a place in the final.

But how have the Norwegian side actually been performing of late? And should Tottenham be genuinely concerned by their recent form?

Bodo/Glimt form guide ahead of Tottenham clash

Naturally, any team that finds itself in a European semi-final has quality – and Bodo/Glimt are no exception.

Kjetil Knutsen’s side are unbeaten in the Eliteserien so far, having won their opening two fixtures. They’ve scored four goals, conceded none, and currently sit third in the table with a game in hand.

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In Europe, their form has been a bit of a mixed bag. Across 14 Europa League matches this season, Bodo/Glimt have picked up seven wins, drawn two, and lost five.

Six of those victories came at home, and perhaps most crucially, three of their knockout wins were secured at their own ground, with all of their away knockout matches ending in defeat.

It is perhaps Bodo/Glimt’s away form that Tottenham will be very interested in ahead of Thursday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Why the home leg against Bodo/Glimt matters for Spurs

That stat alone underlines how crucial the home tie on 1 May could be for Tottenham. If Ange Postecoglou’s men can build a solid lead in that match, they’ll be in a strong position to reach the final.

Fail to make it count, though, and things could get tricky in the return leg.

Tottenham will also need to be wary of some of Bodo/Glimt’s standout players in the Europa League. Kasper Waarts Hogh, for instance, is currently joint top scorer in the competition with seven goals to his name.

Jens Petter Hauge and Patrick Berg have also made key contributions in attack, both registering three assists apiece.

It has now been revealed just how keen Tottenham Hotspur are to sign Mathys Tel permanently and how much they are willing to pay for the forward this summer after ruling out the prospect of meeting the full purchase clause in the loan agreement.

It has been widely reported over the last couple of weeks by both British and German outlets that Tottenham have decided to renegotiate a discounted deal for Tel rather than activating the £45m option to buy the player.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that Bayern Munich remain keen on offloading Tel, and it has even been suggested that Spurs might face some competition for the forward.

It has been alleged that Chelsea may pounce on Tel if Tottenham do not take up the purchase option, thus giving Ange Postecoglou’s men a potential dilemma.

How much are Tottenham willing to pay for Mathys Tel?

GiveMeSport have now become the latest outlet to confirm that Tottenham will not pay the forward’s purchase clause.

Despite that, it is said that Spurs believe they are in a ‘strong position’ to negotiate a lower fee with Bayern for Tel.

Regardless of the doubts over Ange Postecoglou’s future at the club, Tottenham are interested in securing a permanent move for the 19-year-old this summer.

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It is alleged that the Lilywhites would like to bring the fee to around the £30m mark this summer, with discussions expected to begin with Bayern officials at the end of the season.

With no other club making advances towards Tel at the moment, there is optimism at Spurs that they are well-placed to secure a discounted deal.

Tel is rated highly at Spurs ahead of big summer decision

GiveMeSport make it clear that Spurs’ unwillingness to pay the purchase clause should not be misconstrued as a lack of interest in Tel.

The North London club see the France Under-21 international as a long-term project and believe he has the potential to evolve into a top player.

A report has revealed what Bayern Munich are thinking about Mathys Tel after learning that Tottenham Hotspur will not activate the £45m option to buy the forward permanently.

The France U21 international has found a bit of form over the last few weeks after a difficult start to his loan spell at Tottenham. It has been reported by many outlets that Tottenham have decided to renegotiate a discounted deal for Mathys Tel rather than activating the option to buy.

Meanwhile, various reports from Germany have continued to suggest that Bayern Munich are keen for Spurs to take up the Tel option as they need the funds to push ahead with moves for their own summer transfer targets.

A fresh update has now explained what the feeling is in Bavaria about the teenager’s chances of ending up at Tottenham Hotspur as the summer window draws closer.

Bayern Munich are hoping to reach an agreement with Spurs regarding Mathys Tel

A report in Kicker has now asserted that the Frenchman does not have a future at the Allianz Arena beyond the summer, no matter what happens.

The outlet also confirmed that Ange Postecoglou’s men want a discount on the £45m purchase option for Tel, with the Premier League side not willing to pay the full amount.

The report explains that Bayern are open to offering Tottenham a discount and are still hoping that they can reach an agreement with the Lilywhites for the forward’s transfer to N17.

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While no alternative amount is mentioned, it is said that there is some confidence that a deal can be agreed between the two clubs, who enjoy a strong relationship.

Two factors could influence Tel’s chances of a Spurs move

This update comes just a couple of days after Fabrizio Romano revealed that a couple of other factors could also dictate whether the France Under-21 international ends up at Tottenham.

The journalist explained that Ange Postecoglou’s future could have a bearing on Tel’s decision as it was the Australian who convinced the forward to come to Spurs in January.

It has been reported that James Maddison’s future at Tottenham is far from secure, with the attacking midfielder’s chances of a summer exit thought to be tied to Ange Postecoglou’s future, but not in the way Spurs fans might think.

The writing seems to be on the wall for the Tottenham head coach, with reports indicating that Postecoglou is expected to be sacked even if Spurs win the Europa League.

If that is true, one can understand why the Spurs hierarchy have come to that decision, with Tottenham on course to achieve their lowest points tally in Premier League history.

It has now been revealed that Maddison could also be out of the door this summer, with the 28-year-old’s future potentially depending on whether Postecoglou remains in charge next season.

James Maddison may stay at Spurs if Ange Postecoglou leaves

Maddison was one of the first signings made by Postecoglou when he took over at Tottenham back in 2023.

However, the attacking midfielder has played the full 90 minutes in just two games all season – against Everton in the Premier League and Tamworth in the FA Cup. The former Leicester man has sometimes cut a frustrated figure when he has been taken off.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has now claimed that the England international’s chances of staying will increase if Postecoglou departs Tottenham this summer.

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Bailey told TBR Football: “James Maddison’s future is far from certain to be at Tottenham. But we could very well see a summer of upheaval at Spurs.

“If Ange Postecoglou leaves, the Maddison conversation will have to be had – I believe there is more chance of him staying, should the manager leave. Maddison has England aspirations and he has that in his mind.

“And I can tell you I know of a couple of Premier League clubs who would want him, but as said, it will depend on who is in charge – he could yet have a long-term future at Spurs.”

Pundit questions if Maddison has fallen out with Postecoglou

The Tottenham boss’s tendency to always take Maddison off around the hour mark, even when he is playing well, has raised some question marks this season.

Gary Lineker questioned last month if Maddison had fallen out with Postecoglou, admitting that he is puzzled by the Australian’s treatment of the attacking midfielder.

Two Premier League clubs have set their sights on Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, but both clubs are expected to find it difficult to attract him this summer.

While there has been a lot of speculation over recent weeks on potential incomings at Tottenham, there could also be several departures from Spurs this summer, with a number of players looking for a new challenge.

One of those is Manor Solomon, who has got his career back on track on loan at Leeds United this season, playing a key role in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League.

Over recent weeks, reports have indicated that Leeds are now working on a deal to sign the 25-year-old permanently ahead of their return to the top-flight, but it has now emerged that Daniel Farke’s men will face competition for the Spurs man.

Southampton and Everton keen on securing Solomon

GiveMeSport have now claimed that the Tottenham winger’s impressive displays at Elland Road have caught the attention of both Everton and Southampton ahead of the summer.

The Toffees are looking to rebuild their squad ahead of their first season at the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock and have identified Solomon as someone who can add firepower to their attack.

Meanwhile, the Saints want the Israeli international to aid their efforts to bounce straight back up to the Premier League this season.

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However, both these clubs face an uphill battle to land the winger, whose preference is to complete a permanent switch to Leeds.

The report adds that the Toffees and the Saints might find it difficult to land the former Shakhtar Donetsk man unless Leeds decide against meeting Tottenham’s asking price.

Tottenham’s stance on Manor Solomon revealed

GiveMeSport say that Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to sanction Solomon’s sale, having decided that he is surplus to requirements.

The North London club are expected to accept an offer in the region of £15m for the player they signed back in 2023.

The publication explains that while Everton and Southampton would be willing to pay that fee, they might struggle to convince the player to pick them over Leeds.

Finally, it is revealed that a number of clubs around Europe are also keeping tabs on Solomon’s situation ahead of the summer window.

Tottenham Hotspur have made advances towards a sensational move to sign Jarrod Bowen after it emerged that the West Ham star is not entirely convinced about remaining in East London.

Spurs will need to add more quality to their attack this summer, particularly with some outlets raising the possibility that Heung-min Son’s decade-long spell at Tottenham could end this summer.

Additionally, there is ambiguity on whether Mathys Tel will remain at Spurs, thus necessitating the need for some big-name additions up front.

It has now been claimed that the Lilywhites are eyeing a sensational move for West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, who is having some doubts about remaining at the London Stadium.

Tottenham have reached out to West Ham over Jarrod Bowen

TBR Football have now revealed that Jarrod Bowen has some concerns about remaining with the Hammers amidst the club’s continued struggles under Graham Potter this season.

While Bowen is thought to be happy in East London, he has some doubts over whether the club can push on next season as performances and results show no signs of improving.

This has alerted Tottenham Hotspur, who have already reached out to the winger, as well as to their London rivals, to ask about a summer deal.

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Newcastle United have also made advances towards the 28-year-old, but so far neither the Magpies nor the Lilywhites have received any encouragement that a deal can be done.

West Ham remain resolute on Bowen despite need to sell

TBR Football explain that Potter’s men need to sell players before they can push ahead with moves for their transfer targets this summer.

However, they consider Bowen to be an “unsellable asset” and have no intention of listening to offers for the England international.

Instead, the Hammers are hoping that the sale of Mohammed Kudus would improve their PSR position and allow them to keep hold of the former Hull City man.